Andrew Walsh develops a thorough knowledge of his clients’ organization and objectives in order to craft creative and effective legal strategies aligned with their business goals.
Mr. Walsh represents clients in complex civil business disputes, high-stakes environmental and entertainment litigation, and white collar criminal actions. He has extensive experience litigating matters in state and federal courts for clients across a wide range of industries, including environmental services, technology, and media and entertainment. He is a key member of the firm’s environmental litigation team, with particular experience resolving disputes involving large-scale contaminant releases and disasters.
Mr. Walsh excels as both a litigator and counselor to Fortune 500 companies, governments, and individuals entangled in complex civil and criminal matters. He works with clients to develop a comprehensive strategy that will position them for the best resolution at every stage of litigation. Mr. Walsh also uses his experience in corporate governance to counsel clients and thwart efforts to impose liability on parent entities.
In addition, Mr. Walsh devotes significant time and energy to pro bono matters. He has prevailed at multiple trials on behalf of victims of domestic abuse, securing permanent restraining orders as well as orders of full physical and legal custody of his clients’ young children. He has also represented families in adoption proceedings.
Prior to joining Hueston Hennigan, Mr. Walsh was an associate at Irell & Manella. During law school, Mr. Walsh was a Sayre MacNeil Scholar and a member of the St. Thomas More Law Honor Society.
Experience
Won a complete arbitration trial victory on all claims and counterclaims for a prominent Napa winery and its majority owner against the winery’s founder, former CEO, and minority owner in a case alleging fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and other claims. The award included more than $5 million in damages, fees and costs, in addition to an extraordinary order dissociating the defendant from his role as a member of the company.
Representing the Navajo Nation in an action against the Environmental Protection Agency and private parties for damages in connection with the Gold King Mine disaster. On behalf of the Navajo Nation, Mr. Walsh has secured more than $40 million in settlements to date from the United States Environmental Protection Agency and private parties. (See “New Mexico, Navajo Net $63M In Colo. Mine Spill Settlements,” Law360).
Representing Southern California Edison and Edison International in litigation arising out of the 2018 Woolsey Fire that burned in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.
Secured a declination from the California Department of Justice for Southern California Edison in connection with the 2018 Woolsey Fire.
Obtained a trial victory for Sumner M. Redstone in a high-profile challenge to his mental capacity filed by former companion Manuela Herzer, and secured affirmance on appeal. Mr. Walsh also successfully represented Mr. Redstone in a $40 billion battle for corporate control of Viacom, which was waged in the courts of Delaware, Massachusetts, and California.
Obtained dismissal for Shari Redstone of federal RICO lawsuit filed by her father’s ex-companion, who had accused Ms. Redstone of having conspired to remove her from her father’s life and estate plan as part of a scheme to seize control of Viacom and CBS.
On the eve of trial, and after four years of investigation and litigation, obtained dismissal of all felony federal charges against a subsidiary of Waste Management, America’s largest environmental services provider, and two of its managers.
Achieved a favorable settlement for a cutting-edge health care research company in a breach of contract and trade secrets dispute.
Achieved a favorable settlement on the eve of trial for a national staffing company in a lawsuit regarding alleged breaches of contract, breaches of fiduciary duty, wrongful termination, and fraud.
Successfully represented an individual in a criminal investigation arising out of an oil pipeline spill.
Achieved a favorable settlement for a biotechnology company in a complex breach of contract action concerning the payment of patent royalties.
Representing scientist and former Chief Scientific Officer in high-profile litigation and FDA investigation regarding cutting-edge and life-saving gene therapy treatment.
Represented an individual in a criminal investigation into alleged violations of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
Recognitions
- Thriving in Their 40s, Los Angeles Business Journal (2020)
- Key Lawyer for General Commercial Disputes, Legal 500
- Legal Visionary, L.A. Times
- Named to the Southern California Super Lawyers list (2021, 2022)
- Named to the Southern California Rising Stars list (2015-2020)
- The Best Lawyers in America (2023)
Activities
Board of Directors, Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice